Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to have an influential role in the next Trump administration as the president-elect's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Recently, Kennedy told news outlets that a top priority will be directing communities to take fluoride out of their drinking water.

Fluoride has been a pillar of public health for decades, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes it as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Experts point to evidence that it strengthens teeth and improves oral health. But fluoride has also inflamed local debates, where some oppose the government putting something in public drinking water. Recent research also raises questions about potential benefits and harms of fluoride.

Yet these growing debates are already well underway in Oregon, which is home to Portland, the largest U.S. city without fluoride in its drinking water. The liberal suburb of Hillsboro and the small conservative town of Lebanon may also foreshadow the impassioned fights that could soon spread across the country. Whether to add or remove fluoride from drinking water was on the ballots in both places this month, fueling intense battles in person and online.

National health reporter Fenit Nirappil recently traveled to Oregon to understand up close the science and politics of fluoride. He spoke with host Elahe Izadi about what he learned.

Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon, who also contributed reporting. Sabby Robinson contributed production help. It was edited by Reena Flores, with help from Lucy Perkins, and it was mixed by Justin Gerrish. Thanks to Tracy Jan.

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You can also read the oral history of Elphaba ahead of the opening weekend of the movie, Wicked, here.

Just a few years ago, the National Women’s Soccer League was a relatively small business. Now, it’s becoming a financial juggernaut with multimillion-dollar investments, a big TV deal and huge attendance. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to tune in this weekend for the big game: the championship match between the Washington Spirit and the Orlando Pride.

Guest host and sports writer Ava Wallace speaks with soccer reporter Steve Goff and sports editor Ella Brockway about how the NWSL emerged from years of scandal and underinvestment.

Today’s show was produced by Bishop Sand with help from Lucas Trevor. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Alison MacAdam and mixed by Justin Gerrish.

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During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to make sweeping changes to federal agencies, including doing away with the Education Department.

This is not a new threat. Closing the department has been an off-and-on Republican goal since it was created in 1979. It is also difficult to make happen since it would require congressional approval – and it’s unlikely Trump would have sufficient support.

Still, Trump argues – and many Republicans are with him – that the department is unnecessary, ineffective and a tool of a “woke” culture war.

Today on “Post Reports,” host Elahe Izadi speaks with education reporter Laura Meckler about the implications of eliminating the Education Department and the possible ripple effects of Trump’s criticism of the agency.

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson, with help from Bishop Sand. It was mixed by Justin Garrish and edited by Monica Campbell, with help from Alison MacAdam, Maggie Penman and Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Chastity Pratt.

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